I tried about 5 different specialised mats on my Gyro SE. All had proved to be beneficial on my earlier AR (The Turntable). Particularly Herbies "Way Excellent II" mat, which afforded exceptional improvement. In all cases arm height was adjusted accordingly.

To my elderly ears none came anywhere near the standard of the unadorned Gyro platter. So it remains unadorned, since I've run out of acquaintances who'll lend me their mat for a trial.

I didn't find the Orbe clamp upgrade to be as noticeable as a big upgrade in cartridges, but the ability to easily adjust the down force on the record does help to fine tune the damping of vibration energy. It's generally a subtle improvement but noticeable nonetheless. At least with my setup.

I also like that you don't have to force the suspension springs down when you torque the Orbe clamp. With the stock clamp you have to apply a fair amount of down force and that can't be good for the springs over time.

I consider the Orbe clamp upgrade to be worth the cost, especially when you think of it in terms of cost per record play. If you keep your Gyro SE for 10 years it amounts to pennies per play. Well worth it. :)

I didn't find the Orbe clamp upgrade to be as noticeable as a big upgrade in cartridges, but the ability to easily adjust the down force on the record does help to fine tune the damping of vibration energy. It's generally a subtle improvement but noticeable nonetheless. At least with my setup.

I also like that you don't have to force the suspension springs down when you torque the Orbe clamp. With the stock clamp you have to apply a fair amount of down force and that can't be good for the springs over time.

I consider the Orbe clamp upgrade to be worth the cost, especially when you think of it in terms of cost per record play. If you keep your Gyro SE for 10 years it amounts to pennies per play. Well worth it. :)

Regards,
Tom

Thanks.

How do you remove the original smooth spindle from the bearing to stick in the screwed spindle? My spindle seems non-removable.